340 BIEDS — FKm&ILLID^, 



the breeding season, and none of our Sparrows equal it in melody. Dr. 

 Brewer says of it : 



" The eong of this species is described as composed of regnlarly divided parts, almost 

 perfect in compass, in vigor and continuity unsurpasaerl, if not unequaled, by any other 

 North American species. It begins with a aeries of chants, the style reminding one 

 somewhat of the Ci/anospiza ct/anea, but each syllable loud, rich, and clear, and uttered 

 with a peculiar emotional trill, the whole seeming delivered in a hurried manner, in one 

 contiuuousgushof silvery notes, and accompanied by a metallic Iremolo. As if exhausted 

 the singer falters, and the notes become scarcely audible, then suddenly reviving, as if 

 in great joy, the song is resumed in all its vivacity, until the bird at last really appears 

 to be overcome with its eiforta." 



These birds have some other peculiar traits. On the ground they run 

 instead of hop, as is the case with most Sparrows. Three or four may 

 frequently be seen following each other after the manner of quails, run- 

 ning with lowjred heads, drooping wings, and expanded tail. In some 

 parts of Illinois they are known as Quail-heads, probably from a super- 

 ficial resemblance which they bear to that bird in coloration, and the 

 habit above mentioned. In some localities they are called Road Birds, 

 from their habit of running along roadsides and feeding in roads. 



Birds in trouble sometimes appeal to man for assistance. In the sum- 

 mer of 1875, I was attracted by the singular movements of one of these 

 birds, which flew before me, frequently alighting, as if endeavoring to 

 draw me away from its nest. Following it for a short distance, it circled 

 several time around a garter snake, which I killed, when the bird perched 

 upon a fence stake and filled the air with his grateful notes. I was still 

 more than ever convinced that the nest or young of the bird were near, 

 and commenced search. During my unsuccessful search the bird disap- 

 peared. Returning to the spot where the dead snake lay, I gave it a toss 

 with my stick, which was immediately followed by the reappearance of 

 the bird, which exhibited more anxiety than ever. It fiew at the snake, 

 which it seemed to understand was now harmless, picked at and at- 

 tempted to drag it. Going to the spot, I found the nest, and the snake 

 partially coiled around it. Another toss, and I was again rewarded with 

 a song. 



The nest of the Lark Pinch is placed in a slight depression of the 

 ground, sometimes, according to Mr. Ridgway, in trees and bushes. Dr. 

 Brewer describes it as being nearly flat and very shallow, composed en- 

 tirely of various grasses, loosely intertwined, but the nests which I have 

 seen in this locality are neat, compact structures, with deep cavities, 

 and composed almost entirely of fine dark rootlets, neatly lined with 

 grass, and with some attempt at ornamentation about the rim. The 



